When you go grocery shopping, do you usually go to multiple stores for deals or just go to the store that has the most deals? I usually go to multiple stores, but usually all on the same day. I have a certain route that I take that gets me to all of the stores in the shortest way, so I am not wasting too much gas. Plus, I have certain things I only buy at certain stores.

__________________
www.myspace.com/vioburn
My Blog ~ I am currently updating this with my favorite natural beauty routines (some are edible!) and more!


Frugal is being wise with your money and resources and cheap is forcing everyone else to.

With 2 young children, I'm actually lucky to get out at all! I was literally grocery shopping at 10pm last night - just went for a few things. Yeah, $150 worth!

So, with time and energy at a premium, I shop my grocery store nearby. Then on another day, every two to three weeks, do a Trader Joe's shop. I still have to get Target in, too, for household items and cheaper snack items, along w/diapers, hair care, etc.

But shopping around different stores to get the best deals? Nope. Tried that before kids came along, and found the effort wasn't worth it for us - it all equalized itself in the wash. I think it depends on the individual situation - who has the best meat and produce, best prices on everyday things, and very importantly, convenient locations and quick service.

In addition, I couldn't do more than one store on a grocery run, as I can't let anything sit in the bags in the heat.

__________________
Make someone's heart smile today.

I tend to go to the store with the most items on sale. I have a well stocked "pantry" in the basement with things we use alot. However, I have noticed that cereals/crackers do not last as long as they used to (with the trans fat thing being eliminated). I only buy what is on sale, have a coupon or veggies/fruit. However, we eat a lot of peaches when they are on sale and do not eat when they are not on sale.

The best thing is .... I let my parents know when I am going to a store and ask them if they want me to pick something up for them. So when they go to a different store they ask me if I need something. I get the sale items at 2 stores and only go to one. Since they live in the same town we just drop by each others house with the items.

I do most of my shopping at one store on the same day each week. Then about halfway between trips, I always seem to need to make a quick grocery run (for milk or produce) and I do that at a different store so I can pick up any good deals there.

After my success yesterday, I am going to try to hit Ali's, Sam's and HyVee at least once a month. HyVee is my run to store too. Oh yeah, I buy my milk at Kwik Trip and my crackers at Family dollar. So I guess I go to lots of different stores.

__________________
~Happiness is a large family~

I go every Thursday just to Kroger (my usual grocery stop), because it's always seemed in the past none of the other stores have the advertised items I wanted. Anthing I need to fill in, I get on Saturday morning at Walmart, when I get the newspaper for coupons. Usually though, I don't need anything else.

__________________
"And the state of his bathroom -- I'm not one to gossip, but there are things crusted on his sink that have not simply developed intelligent life but have in all probability by now evolved their own political systems." Cain describes Abel in in SANDMAN #70

As a single, working-full-time mom, my time is limited as well. During the winter, I'm fortunate enough to live in a place where I can go to the grocery during lunch--and leave the items in the car the rest of the day without spoilage. But most of the time, I do end up going to at least two supermarkets (Shaw's, Hannaford, or Market Basket), plus a couple of drugstores during the week.

Of course, I usually try to do this BEFORE I pick my kids up...

I shop at several different stores.

I shop mainly two stores. I do most of my groceries at Aldi's then pick up what I can't get there at a local grocer. They are not too far from each other so I never feel bad going to either one when needed.

I will shop at several different stores if they all have great deals I would like to take advantage of. I save a lot of money that way. The stores are not really that far apart so I do not feel I am wasting gas.